Apparatus and methods for forming a joint between adjacent paving mats

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and methods for forming a flush joint between two adjacent and sequentially deposited layers of pavement having an overlap therebetween, comprising a scraper blade engageable with the material constituting the overlap to deposit such material in a windrow at the joint and a rotatable brush assembly movable longitudinally of the windrow for abrading the windrow and sweeping the abraded material laterally across the surface of the second deposited layer of pavement.

United States Patent [72] Inventor Paul T. Ingleright Saginaw, Mich. [2!Appl. No. 806,097 [22] Filed Mar. 11,1969 [45] Patented Sept. 7, I971[73] Assignee Frank Strausberg & Son Co.

Saginaw, Mich.

[541 APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR FORMING A JOINT BETWEEN ADJACENT PAVINGMATS I4 Claims, 9 Drawing Figs. 52 us. Cl 94/39 [5i] lnt.Cl E011: 19/00[50] Field of Search 94/44, 45 R, 39

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,978,773 l0/l934 Trant94/44 2,572,776 10/1951 Smith 94/44 2,900,883 8/1959 Dening H 94/453,283,675 1 ill 966 Gifford 94/44 X 3,459. I09 8/1969 Ingleright 94/39OTHER REFERENCES Cedar Rapids Trade Circular by Iowa Mfg. Co, printed1962 page I 1 only (94-46) Primary ExaminerJacob L. NackenofiAttorney-Leannan & McCulloch ABSTRACT: Apparatus and methods for forminga flush joint between two adjacent and sequentially deposited layers ofpavement having an overlap th'erebetween, comprising a scraper bladeengageable with the material constituting the overlap to deposit suchmaterial in a windrow at the joint and a rotatable brush assemblymovable longitudinally of the windrow for abrading the windrow andsweeping the abraded material laterally across the surface of the seconddeposited layer of pavement.

PATENTED SEP 71911 sum 1 0r 2 FIG. 2

INVENTOR PAUL T. INGLERIGHT VII/M PATENTEDSEP Han 3,603,223

SHEEI 2 0F 2 HQ 5 FIG. 6

INVENTOR.

PAUL T I NGLERlGHT APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR FORMING A JOINT BETWEENADJACENT PAVING MATS The apparatus and methods disclosed herein relateto the formation of a flush joint between adjacent mats of pavingmaterial of the bituminous or asphaltic type wherein a strip or mat ofpaving material is laid and subsequently compacted by rolling, followingwhich a second strip or mat of similar material is laid adjacent thefirst laid mat and is subsequently compacted to the same thickness asthe first mat.

In the laying of bituminous or asphaltic paving material to form ahighway or the like, it is common practice to lay a mat of bituminousmaterial mixed with appropriate fillers and aggregates by means of aspreader machine which moves along the roadbed and deposits a layer ofpaving material on the roadbed. Prior to cooling and setting of the laidmat, it is compacted by means of a rolling machine to a thicknesssomewhat less than its original thickness. Following the laying andcompacting of a suitable length mat, usually the width of one highwaylane, the spreading machine is located adjacent the first mat andoperated to deposit a second mat parallel to the first.

When. laying the second mat of paving material, it is essential that awatertight joint to be provided between the adjacent mats. It isconventional practice, therefore, to adjust the spreader machine so thatit will deposit a relatively thin layer of material atop the edge of thepreviously laid mat so as to provide an overlap. This overlap must beremoved prior to compacting of the second mat so as to avoid theformation of an upstanding ridge between the two mats and the consequentcreation of a traffic hazard.

Heretofore, two methods have been in general use for removing theoverlap between two adjacent mats. In one method a workman utilizes astiff bristle broom to scrape the overlap off the previously laid matonto the newly laid mat. This method has several disadvantages. Forexample, the workman must stand on the previously laid mat whichfrequently is open to traffic. The workman thus is exposed to dangerand, in addition, he frequently must interrupt his work to permittraffic to pass. Moreover, manual sweeping of the overlap is arduous andtiring and in many instances the laying of the mat must be interruptedto enable the workman to keep pace with the spreader. Anotherdisadvantage of manual sweeping is that pushing of the broom across thenewly laid mat may cause grooving or gouging of its upper surface. Notall of such grooves can be eliminated in the subsequent compactingprocess.

Another method used for removing the overlap is that of scraping theoverlap by means of a scraper bar that is attached to the trailing endof the spreader machine. This method also has several disadvantages, oneof which is that the scraped material is deposited on the newly laid matin a windrow which forms an upstanding ridge when the newly laid mat iscompacted. Moreover, the scraping of the overlap can cause some of theaggregate material to be pushed transversely of the newly laid mat andgouge or groove the upper surface thereof. Again, not all of suchgrooves can be eliminated in the subsequent compacting process.

More recently, another method of removing the overlap has been used andinvolves the use of a rotary brush having radially inner and outerconcentric sets of bristles which move longitudinally of the overlap.The brush is tilted so that the inner set of bristles abrade the overlapand the outer set of bristles sweep the abraded material onto thesurface of the newly laid mat. This method is superior to thosediscussed earlier, but the cost of the apparatus is considered by someto be objectionable. The apparatus and method are illustrated in US.Pat. No. 3,459,109, issued Aug. 5, 1969.

An object of the invention is to provide apparatus and methods forremoving the overlap between two adjacent mats of paving material andwhich overcomes the disadvantages of the heretofore known methods andapparatus.

Another object of the invention is to provide methods and apparatus forabrading the overlap between two adjacent mats of paving material andwhich effect removal of the overlap without grooving or gouging thesurface of the newly laid mat.

A further object of the invention is to provide apparatus for scatteringabraded overlap material over a relatively wide area of the newly laidmat so as to avoid the formation of ridges in such mat.

Another object of the invention is to provide apparatus and methods ofthe kind referred to and wherein the speed of overlap removalcorresponds to the speed of laying of the mat.

A further object of the invention is to provide apparatus of thecharacter described and in which the area over which the abraded overlapmaterial may be scattered may be varied in accordance with the width ofthe mat of paving material.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be pointed outspecifically or will become apparent from the following description whenit is considered in conjunction with the appended claims and theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary, top plan view of a conventional spreadermachine on which is mounted apparatus constructed in accordance with theinvention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the apparatus shown in FIG. I;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, perspective view illustrating two adjacent matsof paving material with an overlap between;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3, but illustrating the mats followingscraping of the overlap off a previously laid mat and with the overlapdeposited in a windrow at the joint;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of a brush which engages and scattersthe windrowed overlap material;

FIG. 6 is a rear elevational view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary, perspective view illustrating the two matsfollowing the scattering of the overlap material;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7, but illustrating the two matsfollowing their compaction; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic hydraulic diagram.

Apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention is adapted foruse in conjunction with a conventional bituminous spreading machine 1such as is illustrated in US. Pat. No. 3,246,5 83 and at the rear ortrailing end of which is mounted a catwalk or platform 2. The machine 1is adapted to move in the direction of the arrow A in FIG. 1 along aroadbed and deposit a layer or mat of paving material of predeterminedthickness. The composition of the paving material will vary according tohighway department specifications, but it usually comprises bituminousor asphaltic material, tiller and aggregate which may be eitherrelatively coarse or relatively fine, as required. The width of the laidmat may vary, but in highway construction the mat width ordinarilycorresponds to the width of one trafi'lc lane.

At the beginning of the laying or resurfacing of a road, the machine 1moves longitudinally of the roadbed and deposits a predeterminedthickness layer of paving material which subsequently is compacted by arolling machine to form a substantially planar mat 3 as is shown inFIGS. 3, 4, 7 and 8. Thereafter, the machine 1 is returned to thestarting point and is adjusted to lay alongside the mat 3 another layeror mat 4 of paving material. In the laying of the second layer, themachine is adjusted to deposit a relatively thin overlap 5 of materialatop the adjacent edge of the mat 3 so as to assure the prevention of agap between the adjacent mats 3 and 4.

Apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention comprises scrapermeans 6 operable to remove the overlap material 5 from the surface ofthe mat 3 and deposit it in a windrow 7 at the juncture 8 of the mats 3and 4 and on the upper surface of the latter. The scraper meanscomprises a planar blade 9 having parallel upper and lower edges I0 and11, respectively, and terminating at its ends in tapering surfaces 12and 13. Midway between its ends the blade carries a post 14 which isjournaled in sleeve 15 fixed at one end of a mounting arm 16. Theopposite end of the arm 16 terminates. in a collar 17 in which isjournaled an elongated rod .18 that shown in FIG. 1, and may bemaintained in any selected position of adjustment axially of the rod 18by means of setscrews 22 which coact with sleeves'19.

The rotary coupling of the arm 16 withthe post 14 and the rod 18 assuresthat the scraper blade automatically will adjust in a vertical plane tothe heightot' the platform 2 above the level of the first laid mat 3 andthat the edge of the blade will contact the mat 3 along the entire lowersurface of the blade. The rotary coupling of the blade to the arm 16makes it possible for either edge or 11 tocontact the surface of the matmerely by rotating the blade end for end in its own plane. The terminalends of the blade are so tapered or rounded that either end may serve asthe trailing or leading end.

The inclination of the blade 9 to the direction of travel of thespreader 1 is such as to assure that the material constituting theoverlap 5 will be deposited in a narrow windrow 7, and the blade 9 is sopositioned by means of the setscrew 22, as to assure that its trailingend tenninates at the juncture 8 of the adjacent mats 3 and 4.The'windrow 7, therefore, will have one side thereof'in the plane of thejoint 8.

The length of the blade 9 is such that its leading end is locatedseveral inches to one side of the edge of the overlap 5.

As a result, any loose material dropped by the spreader onto the mat 3will be collected by the blade and incorporated in the windrow. Thisprevents the embedding of such loose material in the mat 3 following itscompaction by a rolling machine. I

The apparatus also includes combined abrading and sweep ing means 25comprising a rotary brush assembly 26 having a disklike head 27 on whichis mounted an annular brush 28. The brush 28 comprises bristles 29formed of wire and anchored at corresponding ends in the head 27 in suchmanner asto present an annular, frustoconical appearance.

Driving means designated generally by the reference character 30 isprovided for effecting rotation of the brush 26 and comprises ahydraulic motor 31 having an output shaft 32 on which is fixed asprocket wheel 33 around which is trained a chain 34 that, also istrained around-a sprocket wheel :35 which is fixed on the input shaft 36of a geared drive unit 37. The unit 37 has an output shaft 38 that isfixed to the brush head 27 by a suitable coupling 39. The motor 31 andthe drive unit 37 are mounted on a suitable bracket 40 which alsosupports a chain guard 4.

The construction and arrangement of the driving means 30 v are such thatrotation of the motor 31 is imparted via the chain 34 to the shaft 38 soas to rotate the brush assembly 26 in a predetermined direction. it .ispreferred that the brush assembly be capable of rotation in either oftwo directions for a purpose presently to be explained. It also isdesirable that the speed of rotation of the brush assembly be variableso as to be capable of operating at the best speed for the particularpavement being laid. Accordingly, hydraulic operating means 52 isprovided and comprises a reservoir 43 from which fluid is withdrawn bymeans of a pump 44 for delivery to the motor 31 via a line or tube 45.Located in the tube 45 area speed control or throttle valve 46 and areversing valve 47. A line 48 communicates between the motor 31 and thereservoir 43 via the valve 47. The arrangement is such that, when thevalve 47 is in the position shown in FIG. 9, hydraulic fluid isdelivered to the motor 31 via the line 45 under the control of thethrottle valve 46 so as to rotate the brush assembly 26 at a selectedrate of speed and in one direction. The valve 47 when rotated to itssecond position, delivers fluid from the pump via the line 48 so as torotate the brush assembly in the opposite direction.

The brush assembly and its driving means are mounted for. a plurality ofadjustments relative to the spreader machine 1. The mounting means isdesignated generally by the reference character 50 and comprises aframemember. 51 that is bolted or otherwise suitably fixed to the catwalk 2at the trailing end of the machine 1 and on whichis pivoted as at 52a'support bar 53. Between its ends the bar 53 is provided with an open--ing for the reception of alocking pin 54 that is adapted to beaccommodated in any 'oneof a plurality of openings '55 provided in theframe member 51 so as to fix the bar 53 in a selected position ofvangular adjustment laterally of the pave ment. At the rearend of the bar53 is a pair of upstanding brackets 56 on which is pivoted by pins 57the corresponding ends of a pair of links 58. The opposite ends of. thelinks are fixed to a support member 59 from which a pair of spaced apartplates 60 depends. The plates 60 are apertured so as rotatably toaccommodate a cylindrical shaft 61 that is fixed at its rear end to thebracket 40. Secured to the shaft 61 is an upstanding plate 62 in whichis provided a plurality of arcuately arranged, spaced openings. Theplate 62 confronts an upstanding plate 63 that is secured to the supportmember 59 and which has an opening therein to accommodate a pin 64 thatis adapted to pass through a selected one of the openings so as tosecure the brush assembly in a selected position of angular adjustmentabout the axis of the shaft 61.

The construction and arrangement of the mounting means 50 are such thatthe brush assembly is mounted for movement longitudinally of the roadbedwith the machine 1. Moreover, the entire brush assembly and its drivingmeans are swingable about a substantially horizontal axis passingthrough the pins 57, and also are capable of swinging movements aboutthe axis of the shaft 61. The brush assembly is adjustable about theaxis of the pins 57 by means of a chain '65, one end of which is adaptedto be accommodated in a vertical slot formed in the upper end of theplate 63 and the opposite endof which is secured to a turnbuckle 66 thatis supported by a bracket 67 fixed to the bar 53.- Adjustment of theturnbuckle 66 permits the brush assembly 26 to beraised or lowered fromthe position shown in H6. 2. a

The bracket 67 also supports a pivotal link 68 having at least oneopening 69 adjacent its free end that is adapted to receive a pin 70mounted on the bracket 40 so as to support the brush assembly 26 anddriving means 50 in an elevated or upwardly'swung position as isindicated in dotted lines in'FlG.

To condition the apparatus for use in removing the overlap 5 between thepreviously laid mat 3 and the ne'wly'laid mat 4, the scraper means 6 isadjusted as previously described, and the brush assembly 26 and thedriving means 50 are swung generally to the position shown in full linesin FIG. 2 and the arm 53 is adjusted about the pivot 52 so that the axisof rotating of the brush assembly 7 is directly over the joint 8. Theturnbuckle 66 then is adjusted so as to enable the brush assembly 26 torock downwardly about the axis of the pins 57 so as to position thetrailing end of the brush assembly at a lower level than the leadingend. That is, the brush assembly is inclined upwardly and forwardly withrespect to the plane of the pavement. The brush assembly is properlypositioned when the bristles 29 at the trailing end of thebrush 28 areat the level of the surface of the previously laid mail 3 and the axisof rotation of the brush overlies the juncture 8 between the two mats.In this position the brush assembly 26 should be so inclined withrespect to the mats 3 and 4 that the leading end of the brush 28 isclear of the mat.

When the brush assembly is positioned properly, the

abrading brush 28 will engage the windrow 7 and abrade the latter in adirection from left to right, as viewed in FIG. 4, so as to abrade thewindrow 7 and the surface of the mat 4 adjacent the mat 3, but along alaterally inclined line so as to provide a beveled edge 71 adjacent themat 3. Simultaneously with the abrading of the windrow 7 and the edge ofthe that 4, the trailing end of the brush 28 will engage and sweep theabraded material from left to right and scatter such material laterallyof the joint over the newly laid mat. The scattered material isindicated at 72 in H6. 7 and may cover a distance of between l2 and 18inches, depending on the speed of rotation of the brush assembly. Thescattered material will be substantially evenly distributed on the newlylaid mat by the brush 28.

Following the abrading of the overlap and the adjacent edge of the newlylaid mat 4 and the brushing of the abraded material onto the uppersurface of the mat 4, a rolling machine may be driven over the mat 4 soas to compact the latter. The individual pieces of abraded material 72will be pushed into the mat 4 and form an integral part thereof, butwithout creating a ridge due to the dispersal of the abraded material.The provision of the inclined surface 71 enables the compacting of themat 4 to be achieved without the squeezing of material from the mat 4onto the upper surface of the mat 3. Consequently, the mats 3 and 4 maybe compacted to the same degree and their upper surfaces will becoplanar, as is indicated in FIG. 8.

Wear of the bristles 23 may be compensated for by adjustment of theturnbuckle 55.

It frequently occurs that the spreader machine 1 is utilized to lay amat of paving material alongside a gutter which has a substantiallateral inclination as compared to the lateral inclination of the mat.To enable the brush assembly to remove the overlap between such surfacesit may be rocked in a generally vertical plane about the axis of theshaft 61 and fixed in adjusted position by means of the pin 64.

The apparatus has been disclosed as being mounted on a machine 1 in suchmanner as to prepare a joint between a first laid left-hand mat and asubsequently laid right-hand mat. It is possible, however. to utilizethe apparatus to prepare a joint between a first laid right-hand mat anda subsequently laid left-hand mat. This may be accomplished bytransferring the scraper means 6 and the mounting apparatus 50 to therighthand side of the machine catwalk and manipulating the valve 47 insuch manner as to cause the brush assembly to be rotated in a clockwisedirection.

I claim:

1. Apparatus for preparing a joint between two substantially planar matsof pavement having an overlap therebetween and adapted for mounting on amachine movable in a direction longitudinally of said mats, saidapparatus comprising scraper means; adjustable means mounting saidscraper means on said machine for adjustment of said scraper meanslaterally of the direction of movement of said machine and forengagement with said overlap to remove said overlap from one of saidmats and deposit it on the other in a windrow; rotary brush means; meansmounting said brush means on said machine for engagement with thewindrowed overlap; and means for rotating said brush means for abradingsaid windrowed overlap.

2. The apparatus set forth in claim 1 wherein the means mounting saidscraper means is adjustable in a vertical plane.

3. The apparatus set forth in claim 1 wherein said scraper meanscomprises a blade having parallel upper and lower edges and wherein themounting means for said scraper means includes a rotatable coupling tosaid blade whereby said blade is rotatable end for end.

4. The apparatus set forth in claim 3 wherein said rotatable coupling ismidway between the ends of said blade.

5. The apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein each end of said bladeis tapered from one edge toward the other.

6. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said brush means isrotated by said rotating means in a direction to scatter the abradedoverlap over said other mat.

7. The apparatus set forth in claim 1 wherein the mounting means forsaid brush means mounts the latter for rotation about an axis inclinedto the vertical.

8. The apparatus set forth in claim 7 wherein said brush means comprisesa set of bristles arranged in an annulus having its center at said axis.

9. The apparatus set forth in claim 1 wherein the mounting means forsaid brush means includes means for adjusting said brush means in avertical plane.

10. The apparatus set forth in claim 1 wherein the mounting means forsaid brush means includes means for adjusting said brush means in ahorizontal plane.

11. In a pavement-laying machine adapted to move longitudinallyalongside a previously laid mat of paving material and lay a second matof paving material adjacent the previously laid mat with an overlap atopthe adjacent edge of the previously laid mat: apparatus for removingsaid overlap comprising an elongate scraper; adjustable means mountingsaid scraper on said machine in trailing relation therewith andobliquely to the direction of movement of said machine, said mountingmeans enabling adjustment of said scraper laterally of the direction ofmovement of said machine and vertically to enable said scraper to scrapesaid overlap off said previously laid mat and deposit it in a windrow onthe previously laid mat; abrading means rotatable about an axis; meansmounting said abrading means on said machine in trailing relation withsaid scraper and with the axis of rotation of said abrading means insubstantial alignment with the trailing end of said scraper; and meansfor rotating said abrading means.

12. The construction set forth in claim 11 wherein said scraper meanscomprises a planar blade and wherein the mounting means for said scrapermeans mounts said blade for rotation in its own plane.

13. The construction set forth in claim 11 wherein said abrading meanscomprises a rotary brush having a set of bristles arranged in annularform about said axis.

14. The construction set forth in claim 13 wherein the mounting meansfor said abrading means mounts said brush in an upwardly and forwardlytilted condition whereby only the trailing edge of said set of bristlesengages said windrowed overlap.

1. Apparatus for preparing a joint between two substantially planar matsof pavement having an overlap therebetween and adapted for mounting on amachine movable in a direction longitudinally of said mats, saidapparatus comprising scraper means; adjustable means mounting saidscraper means on said machine for adjustment of said scraper meanslaterally of the direction of movement of said machine and forengagement with said overlap to remove said overlap from one of saidmats and deposit it on the other in a windrow; rotary brush means; meansmounting said brush means on said machine for engagement with thewindrowed overlap; and means for rotating said brush means for abradingsaid windrowed overlap.
 2. The apparatus set forth in claim 1 whereinthe means mounting said scraper means is adjustable in a vertical plane.3. The apparatus set forth in claim 1 wherein said scraper meanscomprises a blade having parallel upper and lower edges and wherein themounting means for said scraper means includes a rotatable coupling tosaid blade whereby said blade is rotatable end for end.
 4. The apparatusset forth in claim 3 wherein said rotatable coupling is midway betweenthe ends of said blade.
 5. The apparatus as set forth in claim 3 whereineach end of said blade is tapered from one edge toward the other.
 6. Theapparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said brush means is rotated bysaid rotating means in a direction to scatter the abraded overlap oversaid other mat.
 7. The apparatus set forth in claim 1 wherein themounting means for said brush means mounts the latter for rotation aboutan axis inclined to the vertical.
 8. The apparatus set forth in claim 7wherein said brush means comprises a set of bristles arranged in anannulus having its center at said axis.
 9. The apparatus set forth inclaim 1 wherein the mounting means for said brush means includes meansfor adjusting said brush means in a vertical plane.
 10. The apparatusset forth in claim 1 wherein the mounting means for said brush meansincludes means for adjusting said brush means in a horizontal plane. 11.In a pavement-laying machine adapted to move longitudinally alongside apreviously laid mat of paving material and lay a second mat of pavingmaterial adjacent the previously laid mat with an overlap atop theadjacent edge of the previously laid mat: apparatus for removing saidoverlap comprising an elongate scraper; adjustable means mounting saidscraper on said machine in trailing relation therewith and obliquely tothe direction of movement of said machine, said mounting means enablingadjustment of said scraper laterally of the direction of movement ofsaid machine and vertically to enable said scraper to scrape saidoverlap off said previously laid mat and deposit it in a windrow on thepreviously laid mat; abrading means rotatable about an axis; meansmounting said abrading means on said machine in trailing relation withsaid scraper and with the axis of rotation of said abrading means insubstantial alignment with the trailing end of said scraper; and meansfor rotating said abrading means.
 12. The construction set forth inclaim 11 wherein said scraper means comprises a planar blade and whereinthe mounting means for said scraper means mounts said blade for rotationin its own plane.
 13. The construction set forth in claim 11 whereinsaid abrading means comprises a rotary brush having a set of bristlesarranged in annular form about said axis.
 14. The construction sEt forthin claim 13 wherein the mounting means for said abrading means mountssaid brush in an upwardly and forwardly tilted condition whereby onlythe trailing edge of said set of bristles engages said windrowedoverlap.